Mighty Mukuru Wanderers have booked their place in the 2025 FDH Bank Cup final after edging out their fierce rivals, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, 1-0 at Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Sunday — thanks to an 89th-minute header from Promise Kamwendo.
Kamwendo rose high to connect with a pinpoint cross from Isaac Kaliati, directing the ball into the right corner and sealing a dramatic victory for the Nomads.
Despite the defeat, Bullets dominated most of the proceedings, creating numerous scoring opportunities and enjoying greater ball possession throughout the match.
The defending champions nearly went ahead as early as the 4th minute when Chrispin Mapemba connected with a Chikumbutso Salima cross but headed wide.
Six minutes later, Salima found space on the wing but fired off target despite being unmarked inside the box.
Wanderers responded through quick counter-attacks led by Kaliati on the right flank, but his deliveries intended for Adam Wallace and Thierry Sama Tanjong failed to find their targets.
In the 28th minute, Salima once again troubled the Wanderers’ defence with a darting run before sending in a cross to Mapemba, who headed wide for the second time.
Moments later, Kaliati created a chance for Sama, but the forward also headed off target from close range.
As the match grew physical, Bullets maintained control but continued to waste chances. In the 45th minute, Gastin Phodo failed to capitalise on Mapemba’s assist inside the box, keeping the scoreline goalless at half-time.
Bullets took several corners in the first half without converting, while Wanderers made repeated penalty appeals during their counters, none of which were awarded.
After the restart, Bullets made a double substitution, bringing on Paul Master and Yamikani Mologeni for Phodo and Chawanangwa Gumbo. The changes almost paid off when, in the 47th minute, Salima fired wide after connecting with a Mapemba cross.
Four minutes later, play was halted for about five minutes after Bullets supporters were seen throwing objects onto the pitch.
When play resumed, Babatunde Adepoju released a clever through ball to Master, whose shot was smothered by Wanderers goalkeeper Dalitso Khungwa, leaving the keeper down in pain.
Bullets coach Peter Mponda later introduced Ephraim Kondowe for Babatunde as his side continued to squander several set-piece chances through Mapemba’s corners.
In the 71st minute, Wanderers nearly broke the deadlock following a defensive lapse, but Sama was brought down inside the penalty box with no action taken by the referee. The decision sparked protests from Wanderers players, and captain Felix Zulu was booked for dissent.
Four minutes later, Wanderers made a triple substitution, introducing Blessings Mwalilino, Masiya Manda, and Kamwendo for Sama, Wallace, and Clement Nyondo.
Bullets suffered another setback in the 86th minute when Mapemba limped off injured, replaced by Hassan Kajoke.
However, just three minutes later, Kamwendo struck the decisive blow heading home from close range to send the Nomads into wild celebrations.
The referee added seven minutes of stoppage time, during which Wanderers’ Daniel Kudonto was stretchered off following an injury.
Kamwendo’s late heroics earned him the Man of the Match award.
Bullets’ Coach, Peter Mponda, said he was disappointed.
“Very painful to take. We did everything to get a very good result, unfortunately, it did not happen, they (Wnderers) capitalised on a loose margin,” Mponda.
But Wanderers’ coach, Bob Mpinganjira said it was a tough game.
“I should admit, Bullets played very well. They wanted to win this game but we are very happy that we have won i,” Mpinganjira said.
With the victory, Wanderers advance to face Silver Strikers in the FDH Bank Cup final.
The Central Bankers booked their spot on Saturday after defeating city rivals Civil Service United 1-0.
